I am constantly impressed with the upper echelon of Washington wine. One of the consistently great houses in Washington, Avennia has been producing great wines for now nearly a decade. A partnership between former Microsoft executive Marty Taucher and superstar winemaker Chris Peterson, Avennia focuses on high quality Rhone and Bordeaux style wines. One of the state’s great winemakers, Chris Peterson was formerly DeLille Cellars winemaker for many years prior to starting Avennia. I had the great chance to sit down with him for Instagram Live this summer. Articulate and highly intelligent, Chris has a very polished style to his winemaking that combines new world richness with old world poise and aging potential.
I absolutely adored his 2018 Avennia ‘Arnaut’ Syrah (WWB, 95) which is deeply concentrated and smoky with seriously good texture and range. This beautifully shows off this cooler site in the Yakima Valley. Just as good is the stunning new 2019 Avennia ‘Justine’ Red Wine (WWB, 95) which is probably for my palate the best edition of this wine. The ’18 ‘Justine’ is rich and layered but also very pretty, with incredible purity of fruit. These wines are not to be missed for any serious collector of Washington red wine. Learn more about these special wines at avennia.com Here are my reviews of the two new Avennia wines.
2018 Avennia ‘Justine’ Red Wine-The 2018 Avennia ‘Justine’ Red Wine is a thrilling blend of 61% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, and 16% Syrah that underwent 15% whole cluster fermentation. Aged for sixteen months in 80% neutral oak and the remainder concrete, this shows pretty pomegranate seed and garrigue tones that mingle with bulls blood and wild strawberry on this complex bouquet. The palate is soft, elegant and highly gratifying with its pillowy mouthfeel. Gorgeous range follows with orange zest, red cherry candy and guava tones that mingle with damp earth and shades of smoked pork shoulder on the palate. This is truly one of the great Southern Rhone style wines you will find in Washington. Drink 2020-2030- 95
2018 Avennia ‘Arnaut Boushey Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2018 ‘Arnaut Boushey Vineyard’ Syrah is a thrilling new wine by superstar winemaker Chris Peterson. Showing off its deep core, the wine shows smoked brisket and violet aromatics that mingle with blackberry compote and creosote on this complex bouquet. The palate is deep, round and generous, taking on a silky mouthfeel. The wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate delivering intense Black Forest cake flavors woven together with damp earth, smoked BBQ beef ribs, and Kalamata olive, giving this a savory edge. With great weight and length, this beautiful wine has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 95